The KBB NTG is working hard to promote the need for creative subjects such as design & technology to be kept on the national curriculum and is asking everyone to sign a petition calling on the Government to rethink its education policy.

"The NTG is a member of the Proskills (Sector Skills Body) Furniture Board and we are working together to support the petition to keep creative subjects in school - including design and technology," says KBB NTG CEO Renee Mascari.

"These subjects are vital to the industry and the schools programmes and with the current skills shortage in the KBB industry, it is important we do all we can to secure a career pathway for new entrants.

"Please show your support by signing the petition to include expressive arts subjects in the Ebacc. The English Baccalaureate, or Ebacc, is a standard which maintains that English, maths, science, a language and a humanity define a good education.

"The exclusion of art, music, drama and other expressive subjects is limiting, short sighted and cruel. Creativity must be at the heart of our schools."